Romardo Lyons: From Tivoli’s chaos to one of Jamaica’s most influential young storytellers

Today, the Television Jamaica (TVJ) reporter is one of Jamaica’s most recognized young journalists, known for creative headlines and a distinctive reporting voice shaped by hardship and healing.

One of the stories that stayed with Lyons the most was his report on the ‘Pain at Cornwall Regional’, a first-hand account of the conditions at the state-run Cornwall Regional Hospital while the main building was closed. “I went as a patient,” he said, “and I documented exactly what I saw, people waiting under tents, the strain on staff, and the frustration. It needed to be told truthfully.”

The piece, published during his tenure at the Jamaica Observer, merged personal observation with patient testimonials, earning widespread praise.

His work has brought consistent recognition, including multiple Press Association of Jamica (PAJ) awards, among them Excellence in Reporting on Technology (2024, 2025) and Excellence in Reporting on Agriculture (2025). Yet, Lyons downplays the accolades. 

“Awards are great, but they’re not why I do this. The drive comes from something much deeper,” he said.

That drive was born in Tivoli Gardens, where he survived the 2010 incursion at age 13. “It was violent, chaotic, traumatic and honestly, I don’t think I’m over it,” he admits.

 Watching news coverage during the unrest sparked his earliest questions about accuracy and representation. 

“I remember thinking: this isn’t the full picture,” recounted Lyons. “I was right there on the ground, and I wasn’t seeing everything I lived being reflected. That’s when I knew I wanted to tell the truth.”

From that moment, journalism became more than a goal, it became a responsibility.

Lyons entered the field in 2019 at The Star, then moved to the Jamaica Observer before transitioning to TVJ. 

Despite describing himself as “introverted and shy”, he embraced broadcast with confidence. “I was nervous about being on TV, yes,” he confessed.  “But doubting myself? Never. Failure was not an option… that was something instilled in me from child­hood.”

Creativity remains central to Lyon’s work. “I don’t like to tell stories boringly, “he says. “My poetry background comes out in my writing, but I’m still guided by ethics. If it’s a murder or something serious, you keep it straight. But where you can be creative, I’m going to be creative,” he said.

That blend of discipline and style has not gone unnoticed. Young journalists frequently approach him for guidance. “I get messages all the time from students or people in the field saying they love my style or how I write,” he shares. 

“Honestly, I think that’s my biggest impact. Knowing that younger people look to my work, that’s heart-warming.”

He is particularly drawn to resilience stories, features about Jamaicans who triumph despite difficult beginnings. 

“Those stories move me because that was my life in Tivoli, “he reflects. “People want hope. They want to feel inspired. And I love bringing those stories forward.”

Looking ahead, Lyons sees himself in newsroom leadership. “In the next 10 years, I’d love to be running a newsroom, something digitally driven, something fresh,” he says. “And I want to build a team of young journalists and guide them the way I wish I was guided.”

To those entering the field, his advice is firm. “Know from the get-go that journalism will not make you rich. This is a passion job. Don’t come into it for glitz or fame. At the end of the day, people depend on you to inform them, and that’s not something to take lightly.”

From surviving one of Jamaica’s most turbulent moments to becoming one of its most celebrated young reporters, Romardo Lyons continues the work he started in childhood: telling the full story, creatively, honestly, and fearlessly.